碰钉子

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"碰钉子" literally means "to hit a nail," but idiomatically it means to encounter rejection, failure, or a dead end, especially in negotiations, applications, or attempts.

Common Contexts

It is often used when someone tries to get approval, cooperation, or success but is refused or blocked.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

Using 碰钉子 implies an unexpected or frustrating obstacle. It often conveys a sense of disappointment or setback.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse 碰钉子 with literal meanings of "touching nails." It is a fixed idiom used figuratively for failure or rejection.

Example Sentences

He went to talk to the boss about cooperation, but ended up being rejected.

When applying for the visa, I hit a snag because my documents were

He encountered rejection when looking for a job; he failed all interviews.